Showers with a sauna: selection and characteristics

Shower cabins have long gained popularity among owners of private houses and apartments due to their functionality and ergonomics.

Modern models allow not only to perform hygienic procedures, but also provide an opportunity to relax and enjoy hydromassage. The increased comfort of the devices is due to the presence of additional functions. Most modern models are equipped with steam generators, with the help of which you can recreate the atmosphere of a sauna in a shower cabin.

Of course, the main advantage of a shower cabin with a sauna is the multifunctionality of the device, the ability to use a steam generator. It is noteworthy that the maximum steam temperature in this case is 50-55C, which ensures a person's good health. The ability to regulate the steam temperature is another advantage of the devices. By lowering the temperature, you can customize the sauna atmosphere specifically for each user, including for people with high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, for children. In short, for those for whom too hot steam is contraindicated.

Home showers with a sauna effect allow you to add a variety of essential oils to the steam generator. Thus, the possibility of using aromatherapy is added to the warming effect. After taking a shower, you can leave the walls of the booth open to fill the whole house with a pleasant aroma. For music lovers, there are devices that allow you to enjoy your favorite tracks or listen to the radio while taking a shower.

If we talk about cabins equipped with an infrared sauna, then the positive effect of the emitted radiation on the human body should be noted.

It is important that the cabins are very compact and fit even into small spaces, including the bathroom in the "Khrushchev". Standard models occupy 1-1.5 m2. Connecting the device does not require much preparation. It is enough to connect to a 220 W socket.

There are such advantages of such systems.

• Convenience, because in the shower cabin everything is at hand, no need to reach for a washcloth or shampoo. No foam or water splashes on the bathroom walls.
• Ease of maintenance. Modern devices are easily cleaned with special products. If you don't want to spend a lot of time cleaning, choose models with smooth walls. After bath procedures, it is enough to wipe the surfaces of the cabin dry.
• Economical water consumption. Customer reviews suggest that with the installation of a shower stall, water consumption is almost halved.

• Possibility of water heating. Advanced models have a system for heating cold water to a predetermined temperature. This allows you to take a warm shower even if the hot water has been turned off.
• Security. The cabins have an anti-slip coating, their walls and doors are made of environmentally friendly and shock-resistant materials, and the temperature of water and steam is regulated by a thermometer.

Among the disadvantages, or rather even the features of the functioning of the system, one can single out the need to use filters to soften and purify water, as well as devices that control the constancy of water pressure in pipes (pumps). If the pressure in the pipeline is insufficient or inconsistent, it will not be possible to generate steam.

Using hard water (namely, this one flows from the tap in our apartments) will clog the nozzles and damage the system. It is better to use three-stage filters and install them at the point of entry of the water supply into the house.

The cost of a shower cabin with a sauna is considerable, as is the repair, which requires a professional approach. It also pays to be prepared for higher electricity bills.

From the point of view of organization, it is correct to distinguish 2 types of shower cabins with a sauna:

• Sauna effect device. It is a cabin with a steam generator, thanks to which it is possible to take steam procedures. The design is compact. The maximum possible temperature of steam is up to 60C, which is obtained by heating water.

• A cabin combined with a mini-sauna. It is a more massive device, consisting of 2 compartments. The first is the shower area itself, the second is a box with an infrared sauna. There is a door between the compartments. In such structures, the steam temperature is almost 2 times higher - from 60 to 120C. Despite its modest size, being in boxing is no different from visiting a traditional steam room.

Some devices are sheathed with wood (lining made of oak, pine, fir), which allows you to accurately recreate the atmosphere of a steam room in a Finnish sauna. Leaning against the surface of the sheathing will not burn you.

Depending on the type of steam room, there are 3 types of devices with a sauna.

• Finnish sauna, a feature of which is dry hot steam. Its generation is carried out by an electric heater. Wood, acrylic, heat-resistant glass or a combination of several options are used as cladding.

• Turkish sauna for lovers of hot steam (50-55C) and high humidity (90-100%). This type of steam room is softer in comparison with the atmosphere of a Russian bath, it is indicated for people with poor health.
• Infrared bath, which is characterized by high temperature and lack of high humidity. The result is dry heat that warms up the human body rather than the surrounding air. In such a box, it will be possible to sweat, and breathing will not be hampered by too humid air.

In addition to the sauna, modern models (even inexpensive ones) have a number of additional devices that have a healing effect.

• Cabins with hydromassage, which are devices with nozzles, from which water jets beat under different pressures.
• Chromotherapy, that is, the supply of ultraviolet light waves while taking a shower. Helps improve blood circulation.
• Cabins with the effect of a Turkish bath, which is characterized by high humidity and steam temperature not higher than 45-50C. Thanks to the closed doors of the booth, it is possible to recreate the necessary conditions, and the thermometer and hygrometer take over the control of temperature and humidity levels.

Depending on the shape, there are round, square, rectangular, semicircular (as well as a quarter-circle shape) and corner models. Models of semicircular and angular shape, as well as in the shape of a semicircle are convenient for installation in small rooms.

If the structure of the cabin is completely made of transparent materials, it is called open. The opposite is a closed booth. An intermediate option is combined cabins. Showers with a sauna can be closed or combined. Open systems are not possible because they do not have a ceiling of their own. This means that high-quality steam generation in such structures is impossible.

Differences between cabins can also be based on door types:

• with a swing door (swing open outward, attached to the hinges);
• articulated models (visually do not differ from swing ones, however, they have a more reliable fastening to the hinges);
• models with a sliding door (work on the principle of a wardrobe, convenient for small rooms);
• swing cabs (another option for small rooms).

In addition, designs with a sauna may have not one, but two doors, where the entrance to the washing and shower area is separate.

Finally, shower cabins differ in the material from which the pallet is made.

They differ in price availability. Service life - up to 15 years, while it is important that the pallet has a reinforcing layer. Otherwise, it will simply crack under the weight of the users. Another advantage is the variety of shapes of acrylic pallets.

An improved model of acrylic pallets is kvaril. The latter are distinguished by increased strength, since they contain quartz dust.

The service life is up to 30 years, but such a pallet cannot boast of a variety of forms. It is characterized by increased strength, but it is heavy and takes a long time to warm up.

They have improved aesthetic characteristics and a long service life. However, they require careful handling, and they cost a lot.

As a rule, it is marble (more expensive option) or porcelain stoneware (slightly cheaper). They are characterized by a long service life, impeccable appearance, and increased durability. The only drawback is the high cost.

Shower cabins are available in various sizes, so when buying a device for an apartment, carefully measure the bathroom space. For small rooms, it is preferable to purchase cabins with a steam generator, since they are more ergonomic.

The optimal power of the steam generator is from 2 to 4 W, and its volume is 10-15 liters.

Sauna devices are heated by means of electric heating systems or infrared panels. In such models, the presence of a control panel is assumed, with the help of which the temperature and humidity indicators are set. The remote control is located outside the sauna.

Arrangement of structures with a steam function or a built-in sauna is carried out in the same way as connecting a conventional shower. An important point - great attention should be paid to tightness to prevent contact of water and steam with electrical cables.

As far as sizes are concerned, there are no specific standards. The cabins can have a width of 70 to 185 cm, the length varies between 70-160 cm. If we are talking about devices with a separate box for a sauna, then their dimensions increase by about 2-2.5 times.

It is imperative to ground and install an RCD system (residual current device), and not only for the cabin, but also for all metal elements in the bathroom in contact with electricity. Installation of heating elements is permitted only when the power supply is off. Lighting of the booth is possible with lamps, the power of which is not more than 100 watts.

Choosing the right device from the variety presented is not easy. First, you need to identify the most popular models that have won the trust of buyers. Among them are the following shower cabins with a sauna:

• AM brand cabins. They have practically no negative reviews due to their reliability, versatility and affordability. They are devices with a steam generator and hydromassage. The average price is from 70,000 rubles.
• Finnish sauna lovers can recommend the cabin Niagara... The compartment, lined with wooden slats, recreates the authentic atmosphere of a Finnish steam room, while the design itself is very ergonomic. The average price is from 100,000 rubles.

• Aggregates Luxus 532 equipped with a steam generation function. A distinctive feature is deep pallets. Various complete sets of systems are possible, which affects the cost. It ranges from 50,000 to 90,000 rubles.
• Modification Aqvapol with an infrared bath is characterized by affordability (from 30,000 rubles). It is a closed structure with sliding doors. The disadvantage is the rather large size.

Designs are always popular Canadian brand Banff... Cabins with a sauna are rightfully considered to be the pride of the manufacturer. They are finished with Canadian red cedar wood. On contact with steam, it emits a healing scent. The material itself does not have a specific shade - it is a whole range of colors from delicate lemon to dark chocolate.

Impeccable aesthetics are combined in these models with innovative solutions and versatility. The manufacturer boasts a variety of pallets - these are ceramic, cast iron and acrylic models. Natural marble pallets are used in premium segment products.

The internal organization of the cab space is always well thought out - these are folding seats, comfortable shelves, modern anti-slip coatings. Standard models include a sauna box, remote control, aromatherapy device, hydromassage with 6-10 jets, regular and tropical showers. The cost of models depends on the configuration and size, the average price is 150,000 -200,000 rubles.

For information on how to choose a shower stall, see the next video.